Owen aims for another great debut

Michael Owen is poised to make his debut for Stoke City this weekend, and the ex-England international knows he has plenty to prove during his time at the Britannia Stadium.

The former Manchester United forward has plenty of detractors ready to write him off once again, but knows that a goal on debut against Manchester City could be crucial to kick-starting his career with the Potters.

Owen has done it before of course, and the Liverpool legend isn’t the only player to get off to a flying start at a new club.

With that in mind, GMF looks at some of the great debuts in English football history, as Owen looks to make another big mark on the football stage. Think we forgot somebody? Don’t forget to leave your thoughts at the bottom of the story…

Sergio Aguero – Manchester City 4-0 Swansea City

The Argentine striker made an unbelievable debut for the Citizens in August 2011, coming off the bench to score twice and create another on the first of many great days for the club last season.

Edin Dzeko opened the scoring from close range on 57 minutes, but with goals proving hard to come by, Roberto Mancini turned to his ‘unfit’ summer signing to put the game beyond doubt.

Aguero obliged, tapping home at the far post to double the lead, before chipping a pass to David Silva for the Spaniard to make it three. A long-range strike from the star of the show put a crowning glory on the scoreline.

Wayne Rooney – Manchester United 6-2 Fenerbache

Having signed from Everton for £27 million, the pressure was certainly on Rooney to deliver the goods immediately at Old Trafford. He didn’t disappoint.

The England star struck a phenomenal hat-trick – one from close range, one from 20 yards and a free-kick – to announce himself as a superstar in-front of the Red Devils faithful.

Rooney has gone on to enjoy great success with the club since the Champions League performance in 2004, and will hope it continues under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Michael Owen – Wimbledon 2-1 Liverpool

With nothing left to play for in the Premier League, a young Michael Owen took his first opportunity for the Reds in May 1997, scoring on debut at Selhurst Park.

The teenage talent gave a huge glimpse at his potential with a clinical striker on 74 minutes, bursting through the middle before firing past Neil Sullivan.

Owen had come off the bench to score for Liverpool, and would score another 117 in the English top flight for the club.

Jurgen Klinsmann – Sheffield Wednesday 3-4 Tottenham Hotspur

The German legend arrived at White Hart Lane with a reputation for diving, but it was his celebration that got fans going most on debut at Hillsborough.

Teddy Sheringham, Darren Anderton and Nick Barmby had already scored for Spurs in a topsy-turvy clash, but with the game far from over, it was Klinsmann who headed home what would eventually prove to be the winner.

A wonderful season with the club followed, although the end of the game was marred by a horrible head injury that occurred in a challenge with Des Walker.

Ian Wright – Leicester City 1-1 Arsenal

Voted the fourth greatest Gunner in history, Wright got his career off to a flyer with a goal in the 1-1 draw against the Foxes in the League Cup.

Signed from Crystal Palace, many considered the addition of the England striker something of a risk, but his goal at Filbert Street was followed by a league hat-trick against Southampton at The Dell.

Wright would eventually go on to score 179 league goals for Arsenal, and become a firm fans’ favourite over seven years at Highbury.

John Terry – Chelsea 4-1 Aston Villa

At the time, it seemed like nothing more than a late cameo appearance for a young centre back.

However, the replacement for Dan Petrescu quickly asserted himself against the Villains, and showed why he was so highly rated at Stamford Bridge.

Terry has gone on to make 375 Premier League appearances for the Blues, captained his country on numerous occasions and lifted both the Premier League and Champions League during a 14-year career to date.

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